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proctorclaire
Silver Member
437 Posts |
 Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 09:13:54 AM
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Ok here goes. Sorry if this is long...
I used to be at a small yard in my town which was just at the top of my road that was very shabby but had all the basics you needed and a huge outdoor school but bad hacking as you need to go on main roads before getting to countryside. I decided to leave there as I wasn't getting on with the yard owners so I moved to a great brand new yard in the countryside with miles of hacking and an indoor and outdoor school. It has now come to my attention that my old yard is up for lease and they have asked me to take it over. I really don't know what to do. I love the yard I'm at now but it is quite a drive away and costs me between £50 and £75 a week on petrol. Plus I pay £200 livery a month when the WHOLE YARD in my town is only going to cost £250 a month. I just don't know if can go back to rubbish hacking. I have always wanted my own yard as I am fed up with yard owners telling me when I can and can't turn my horses out and how long they can be turned out for. Why can't some-one make the decision for me!!!.
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jacki
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
1988 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 09:28:35 AM
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I'd go for it if you have one livery it'll cover the extra plus you'll be saving in fuel! Goodhacking isnt the be all! I'd rather be close and my own boss, just my opinion but you did ask lol
Good luck either way! |
sittingbourne kent |
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proctorclaire
Silver Member
437 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 09:37:25 AM
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| I was thinking the same thing. The yard needs new gates and CCTV put in but then it's ok to go. There is 4 stables there at the moment and about 15 acres of fields. I would have 2 stables for my horses, one girl is staying with her horse which leaves 1 more stable free and could get grass liveries in. |
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Kazzy
Platinum Member
England
3335 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 11:24:55 AM
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I would go for it. I left a livery yard and I am on my own now (not my own yard long story but..) and I havent regretted it one bit, infact its the best thing I have ever done.
I can do what I want, when I want and where I want!!
The only real downside is that I cant go away anywhere in winter time becuase my Mum usually looks after the horses and event hough she is quite capable of feeding and stuff I dont feel right having her do them in winter. She is fine in summer when they dont want much doing ie feeding etc etc
Janet |
     
Sunny Cheshire |
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peg
Silver Member
United Kingdom
349 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 1:37:58 PM
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Here's a different viewpoint! We have our own yard and are fortunate to have nice liveries on it. However they ENDLESSLY request we do this and that and it is quite a job (and considerable expense) to keep up with their demands. My partner and I work full time and having the yard is quite an extra commitment. I would not do it again if I had the choice (and bear in mind I said I have nice liveries!!).
You said that the yard you are thinking of taking over is shabby...this sounds like a lot of work and investment needed, especially if you have paying customers who would demand their money's worth. I think there is a lot to be said for making that someone else's responsibility and you just focussing on enjoying your own horse 
I personally would value the access to safe hacking at your present yardas well. A friend of ours has very recently lost her beautiful horse in a hideous and tragic accident while hacking on the road. So that is where I am coming from. |
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alypie
Bronze Member
85 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 2:26:55 PM
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| i think if you should take it, 15 acres is lots to hack around and it would be all your own. :) |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 2:52:25 PM
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| I think it depends on what you like to do with your horses. I think that safe hacking is paramount but then I love hacking. |
   
West Sussex |
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Nichole Waller
Gold Member
England
1168 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 4:25:11 PM
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Hacking is more important to me than a school, but have you got your own transport? (Trailer or lorry) if so then you could take the yard nearer home and just box out to some nice hacking when you feel like it...
Or maybe the money you are saving on fuel you could put aside to buy yourself some transport if you don't have any. Win win situation |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 4:40:40 PM
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I'd definitely stick where the good hacking is, I used to keep Buzz in livery with great facilities within walking distance of my house, but the hacking was really limited and pretty dull - I would have far rather driven further and been able to do some decent riding.
Yes being on a yard with other liveries is frustrating at times, but on the other hand you do have that security if something happens to prevent you getting there - you will be able to get someone else to feed your horse etc. If you have your own yard, it is very tying - you have to be there to feed, turnout, check them etc. I have the best of both worlds - we rent our own yard, but between my Mum, my sister and I we can cover the horses' care, we also have pretty reasonable hacking. |
  Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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arabianrio
Gold Member
England
1300 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 5:28:24 PM
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| oooh .... good hacking every time for me.......just think of the responsibility, work and commitment you will have if you go back. |
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george
Gold Member
Wales
1353 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 7:34:06 PM
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| No question for me I'm afraid... Definitely having my horses close buy would be my first choice. In an emergency you can get there quickly and being your own boss, doing it "your" way would certainly outway the hacking issue, if you have a horse that's good in traffic (I'm lucky that all mine are) you can hack to good riding or as has been said box to somewhere suitable. rotating fields and taking care of your own paddocks!! sounds like a dream for me |
George xxx
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Cinnypony
Gold Member
1160 Posts |
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peg
Silver Member
United Kingdom
349 Posts |
Posted - 25 Feb 2011 : 8:59:33 PM
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Quote "if you have a horse that's good in traffic (I'm lucky that all mine are)"
Ooh I'm sorry don't want to put a downer on it but my friend's horse was walking along quietly and obediently when this unspeakable 'person' mauled down the horse who was (impeccably)walking behind, and then my friend's horse, killing both horses as well as the rider of the first horse. I don't mean to hijack this thread but it is irrelevant how well your horse behaves when there are lunatics on the roads.
I still maintain that 15 acres is a smashing idea, but actually takes a LOT of looking after and just want to warn you of the level of care and expense involved in managing a yard. I certainly didn't realise the full extent of it! But I wish you all the best on whatever you decide |
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proctorclaire
Silver Member
437 Posts |
Posted - 01 Mar 2011 : 1:20:25 PM
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| The old owners have decided to carry on the lease so it is no longer available. That's my mind made up for me then lol. |
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What to do??
